Aston Villa in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Lucas Digne as Chelsea transfer plans wrecked
Aston Villa are apparently in advanced talks to sign Everton left-back Lucas Digne. The France international had a public falling out with Toffees boss Rafa Benitez last year and is no longer a first-choice player at Goodison Park.
Digne had been one of Everton’s star players until this season.
But the player clashed with his manager before Christmas after apparently becoming frustrated with the Spaniard’s defensive style of play.
Digne was reported to be against Benitez’s counter-attacking football as it limited his impact on the side.
And he was also chagrined that he had been taken off set-pieces.
In recent days the player has been linked with a move to West Ham and mega-rich Newcastle, as well as last season’s Champions League winners Chelsea.
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But the former England international must be careful the signing of Digne doesn’t prove disruptive after Benitez accused the player of caring more about his individual performances than results.
“I’m a professional and I try to manage,” Benitez said recently when discussing the future of the 28-year-old.
“Since my first day here, I know what the fans want. When you are not winning, it’s more difficult.
“But the reality is we need players who want to be here, for any reason.
“Talking about individual stats when the team finished 10th? It means nothing to me.
“We need a winning mentality, we need ambition and we need to do things in the right way. Everyone knows each other here really well.”
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